DIY Paper Creations

PPA53 – The Color Purple

What do you think of when you think about the color “purple”?  I think about the Purple People Bridge that we have in downtown Cincinnati!  The Pals Paper Arts Design Team has a monochromatic theme this week…so break out the Concord Crush, Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant or any other shade of purple that you may have and join in on the fun!

Do it yourself tips!

• Maybe it’s just me, but I think there is something elegant about monochromatic cards.  If you’ve never tried making one grab your favorite color and give it a try – it’s easy!

• One of the things I love about Stampin’ Up! products is how the colors coordinate…the Rich Razzleberry paper has ribbon and ink that really matches!  The new Color Coach has some fabulous color combos and is a must have in your craft studio. 

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Upsy Daisy (111710)

Paper:  Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla and Rich Razzleberry card stock

Ink:  Rich Razzleberry Classic Ink Pad

Gear:  Extra-Large Oval (119859), Big Shot (113439), Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (114512), Standard Texturz Impressions Pad (114614), Standard Texturz Silicone Rubber (114615), Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (118138)

Bling:  Rich Razzleberry 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon (119966)

 

PPA52

It's time for the Pals Paper Arts to have another wonderful sketch from Margaret Moody!  I'm in Salt Lake City for the Stampin' Up! convention so I'll keep this short and sweet.  Don't you just love the new lace ribbon and the vintage brads? 

PPA51 – Happy I Do Day!

Join the Pals Paper Arts design team as they showcase cards that have a wedding theme for this week’s challenge.   Believe it or not, I don’t own every set that Stampin’ Up! currently has available!  My friends and family aren’t at the “wedding” stage in their lives so I haven’t invested in any wedding stamp sets which limited my options for this challenge.  But the whole point of a challenge is to stretch your creativity right?  The new Stampin’ Up! set called Word Play is a wonderfully versatile 12 stamp set that is ready to help you tackle any challenge.  Add some ribbon, a rhinestone, a couple of paper punches and I had a clean and simple card that I’d be proud to give to any couple on their wedding day!

Do it yourself tips!

• I love diamonds!   So naturally, the new half back rhinestones were a “must have” when I saw them in the new Idea Book and Catalog.  They add some serious sparkle to this card.

• To get the double scallop like the one at the bottom of this card simply layer the paper after it has been punched with the Scallop Edge Border punch.

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Word Play (wood mount 120308, clear mount 120657) and Confetti (wood mount 116960, clear mount 120465)

Paper:  Whisper White, Blushing Bride and Early Espresso card stock

Ink:  VersaMark; Blushing Bride Classic Ink Pad

Gear:  Curly Label Extra-Large (119851), Scallop Edge Border (119882), Embossing Buddy (103083), Powder Pals (102197), Silver Stampin’ Emboss Powder (109131), Heat Tool (100005)

Bling:  Basic Rhinestones (119246), Early Espresso 3/8” Taffeta Ribbon (119962)

PPA50 – So elegant!

 I have to confess…when I first saw the colors for this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge I was a wee bit concerned about the combination.  However, I warmed up to it in a flash!  It’s such a sophisticated combo and one I never would have thought of on my own.   Basic Gray, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron together is pure genius!

Do it yourself tips!

• My new supplies haven’t arrived yet so I didn’t have any brads or buttons for this card.  It’s crazy not having any bling!  But, I my Crop-A-DIle came to the rescue and I used it to punch out some really small circles to use as faux brads on the sentiment.

• Even with the heat embossing that I did, this card came together very quickly…my Big Shot and punches really are tremendous time savers

• Did you know that you can emboss with any color of Classic Ink?  Just dip your stamp in a VersaMark ink pad first; then dip it in the color of your choice.  Sprinkle on clear embossing powder, shake off the excess and heat emboss like you normally do.

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Occasional Quotes (Hostess Level 3 wood mount 117048, clear mount 120142) and Pocket Silhouettes (111672)

Paper:  Vary Vanilla, Basic Gray, Chocolate Chip, So Saffron and Basic Black

Ink:  VersaMark; Basic Gray Classic Ink Pad

Gear:  Big Shot (113439), Texturz Backgrounds Plates (114512), Modern Label Extra-Large Punch (119849), Crop-A-Dile (108362)

Bling:  Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon (retired)

Retired Stamp Set Sale

Here's a list of the retired sets that I currently have for sale.  The shipping (to the U.S. only please) is a flat rate of $10 per order.  I'll accept payment via PayPal.

I also have all of the retired Stampin' Up! ribbon which I'm selling for 50 cents per yard with a 10 yard minimum.  Shipping is $1 but if you combine a ribbon order with stamp sets I won't charge you any shipping for the ribbon.

$5 – All are Wood Mount stamp sets

 

A Little Birthday Cheer - Used

Bitty Birthday – Used

Celebrate Everything – Sold

Halloween Frights - Used

It’s a Loop Thing - New

Little Flowers - Used

Love Bug - Used

Out of the Box – Used

Sprinkles - Used

Sweet Little Sentiments – Sold

Very Thankful - Used

Whoo’s Your Valenine? - New

You & Moi - Used

  

$10 – All are Wood Mount stamp sets

 

Bloomin’ Beautiful - Used

Close As a Memory -Sold

Country Morning - Used

Crazy Cool – Used

Eat, Drink & Be Scary – Used

Gifts of the Earth - Used

Just Jawing - Used

Le Jardin Botinique – Used

Made 2 Last - Sold

Of the Earth - Used

Park Avenue Patterns - Used

Perfect Chemistry - Used

Please Come - Used

Putt Putt - Used

Sporting – Used

Spotlight on Christmas – Used

Tasty Sweet - Used

Think Happy Thoughts - New

Very Thankful - New

Warm Words - Sold

Welcome Home – Used

Wings of Friendship - Sold

 

$15 – All are Wood Mount stamp sets

The More the Merrier - Sold

Nursery Necessities - Used

Holiday Blitz - Used

Boho Blooms - New

PPA49 – Happy 4th of July!

Let Freedom Ring!  Independence Day is such a fabulous American holiday…on this day we enjoy all things “American” which in my house means a NASCAR race, patriotic music by Erich Kunzel* & The National Symphony on PBS, my beloved Cincinnati Pops, fireworks and some yummy food to share with family and friends.   Please join me and the rest of the Pals Paper Arts Design Team as we celebrate our wonderful country – The United States of America and the hard earned freedoms that we enjoy.  Speaking of freedom; please feel free to use any craft products that you have around the house for this challenge! 

This 4^th of July I’m going to give away some surprise blog candy!  My loyal readers are just going to have to trust me on this one!  To be eligible to win please leave me a comment telling me why Independence Day is so special to you.  I’ll post the winner on July 6^th at 4:00 pm…you have until then to post a comment, but you will need to have a U.S. shipping address to win!

Good luck and have a safe holiday!

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  July Fourth (wood mount 118523, clear mount 120063 Summer Mini catalog) and Red, White & Blue jumbo wheel (118622 Summer Mini catalog)

Paper:  Vary Vanilla, Crumb Cake, Real Red and Night of Navy

Ink:  VersaMark; Real Red and Night of Navy Classic Ink Pads

Gear:  Extra Large Tag Punch (119866), Large Tag Punch (119876), Stampin’ Around Wheel Guide (104834), Crop-A-Dile (108362)

Bling:  5/8” Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (109052), Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware (111325)

  

 

*Erich Kunzel passed away September 1, 2009 so this is going to be the first time in nearly 20 years that I’ve celebrated this holiday without Erich.  Erich Kunzel was the maestro for both the Cincinnati Pops and the National Symphony.  Under his tutelage the Cincinnati Pops represented the U.S. on every continent and the Beijing Olympics in 2008.  Each Memorial and Independence Day Erich thrilled millions of people as he led the National Symphony on The Mall in Washington D.C. during concerts that were televised on PBS.  During each concert Erich delighted in honoring the veterans of our military…having the orchestra play the hymn for each branch while having veterans stand while their hymn was being played.  “He was a remarkable spirit and a tremendous musician,” said Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra music director Paavo Järvi.  I whole heartily agree…and I miss my dear friend.

 

PPA48 - Strength and tea bags

I love this new stamp set called Favorite Thoughts - the sayings are funny and very true!  This is going to be a short post because storms are moving through again and I want to get this posted.  More later, but in the mean time please check out this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge.  It's a wonderful sketch by Margaret Moody.

 

Bermuda Bay Blog Candy Winner!

Congratulations Tanya P. you are the lucky winner of my Bermuda Bay Blog Candy!  Please email me within 48 hours and provide me with a U.S. address.  I’ll get your package sent off to you ASAP.

Thanks go out to all of you who replied to my question.  I enjoyed reading each reply.  It appears most of us really like the clear mount stamp sets.

There’s going to be more awesome blog candy so remember to check my blog later this week!

PPA47 – Butterflies and another sneak peek

The theme for the Pals Paper Arts challenge this week is summer!  I really wanted to showcase some of the new colors so I chose Greenhouse Gala Designer Series Paper which has the new In Color Pear Pizzazz as one of its main colors.  I’ve heard Pear Pizzazz described as a lighter shade of Old Olive and that’s pretty accurate.  I used one of new core colors - Daffodil Delight for one of the butterflies and the ribbon.  Combine those two colors with Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze for a fresh and elegant look!

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

 

• Use your heat tool to dry the ink when working with vellum.  Be careful not to overheat the vellum though because it will start to curl if you do overheat it.

• Let your butterfly wings flutter gracefully by using a Glue Dot to adhere the vellum to the card stock

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Flight of the Butterfly (111564)

Paper:  Whisper White, Daffodil Delight, Pear Pizzazz, Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze; Vellum card stock

Ink:  Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight and Chocolate Chip Classic ink

Gear:  Heat Tool (100005), Butterfly Extra Large Punch (119484), Scallop Edge Border Punch (119882), Corner Rounding Punch (119871), Big Shot (113439), Backgrounds 1 Texturz Plates (114512), Chit Chat Rub-ons (111804)

Bling:  Daffodil Delight 1/8” Taffeta ribbon (119254)

 

Bermuda Bay Blog Candy

As promised, I have more blog candy this week! In honor of last week’s Pals Paper Arts card I’m giving away Bermuda Bay.  The winner will receive 24 sheets of 8 ½ X 11 card stock, 6 sheets of Textured 8 ½ X 11 card stock, 20 6 X 6 sheets of Designer Series Paper, 1 new (unopened) Bermuda Bay Classic ink pad, 1 new Stampin’ Write Marker, 1 new re-inker, 1 new spool of ribbon and 27 buttons – 9 Basic Gray Corduroy (3 of each of the 3 sizes), 9 Summer Sun Corduroy (3 of each of the 3 sizes) and 9 clear buttons (3 of each of the 3 sizes).

This is a nice package and all you need to do to be eligible to win is post a message here on my blog that answers this question:

Which do you prefer, wood mount or clear mount?  Why?  What are the advantages of one over the other?

I’ll go first.  I love the clear mount because they take up far less space to store, they are less expensive, they clean up better (no more stained wood blocks) and they perform the same as the wood mount stamps – in some cases even better because I often don’t need to use a stamp-a-ma-jig to see what I’m stamping.

• You have until 12:00 pm EDT on Saturday, June 19 to post your answer.  I will announce the winner on Sunday at 4:00 pm

• The winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours from the time the winner is announced to e-mail me their United States mailing address.

Thank you for stopping by my blog and best of luck to everyone who wants to win this blog candy!

Blog Candy Winner!

Congratulations to Nelia who has won my Farewell Tour Blog Hop candy!  Her post was chosen using a random number generator (random.org).  This was her answer to my question: 

Cute card! I'm about 98% SU too - I love how all the colors coordinate, the high quality of the products, and how the punches work with the stamps etc., but I have some crafting supplies from long ago that I still use (button, twine, lace, etc.)

 

Nelia, please e-mail me your address and I'll get your box of goodies sent out!

 

 

A sneak peek and a fond farewell

The Design Team at Pals Paper Arts has have given us a wonderful trio of colors to work with this week – Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay and Soft Suede.   I fell in love with Crushed Curry and Soft Suede the moment I saw them – it took some time for me to warm up to Bermuda Bay, but I eventually did.  I’m going to miss both Crushed Curry and Bermuda Bay when they are phased out on July 1, 2010.   The sentiment on this card is from two beautiful new hostess stamp sets; Because I Care (level 1) and Occasional Quotes (level 3).  Both of the sets are an excellent reason to host a workshop this summer. Don’t be shy, come play with the PPA!   Stampin’ Up! supplies are optional; you can use whatever crafting supplies that you have on hand.

If you like my blog and don’t want to miss a post, please subscribe to my blog.  It’s free!  You can subscribe by scrolling down until you see a box on the left hand side of my blog that says “Subscribe”.  Simply enter your e-mail address and you will be sent an e-mail confirming that you which to subscribe to my blog.

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

• Shimmer Paint, which was in the Christmas Mini catalog is in the new Catalog and Idea Book!  I used Frost White to make the pearly dot in the middle of the flowers.  Just dip the tip of an embossing stylus into the Shimmer Paint and then touch the tip onto the paper.
• You can heat emboss with any color of Stampin’ Up! Classic Ink by first dipping your stamp in VersaMark Ink and then dipping it in the Classic Ink.  Stamping your image, dust with clear embossing powder, remove the excess embossing powder and then heat emboss!
• It doesn’t get any more exciting than this - For just $99 (plus sales tax) you can indulge your hobby or start your own business with the Mini Starter Kit.  Interested?  Please contact me for more details.  Don’t wait, this offer ends June 30, 2010!

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Pocket Silhouettes (111672), Because I Care (Level 1 Hostess 118474 wood mount, 120127 clear mount 2010-2011 Catalog and Idea Book), Occasional Quotes (Level 3 Hostess 117048 wood mount, 120142 clear mount 2010-2011 Catalog and Idea Book).
Paper:  Very Vanilla, Crushed Curry and Bermuda Bay card stock
Ink:  VersaMark and Soft Suede Classic Ink
Gear:  Embossing Stylus (100663), Embossing Buddy (103083), Heat Tool (100005), Stamp-a-ma-jig, (101049), Big Shot (113439), Stampin’ Up! Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die (118138 Occasions Mini catalog and carried over to new catalog), Itty Bitty Shapes flower punch (118309, Summer Mini catalog)
Bling:  Frost White Shimmer Paint (116845) and Soft Suede 1/2" Polka-Dot Grosgrain ribbon (115612)

Pals Farewell Tour Blog Hop

 

Welcome to the Stampin' Pretty Pals June hop!  This month, we're bidding a "Fond Farewell" to some of our old friends, the 30 retiring colors of Stampin' Up!'s Color Renovation!  

  

 

I'm the first stop on the PALS HOP and I'm glad you hopped in!  I'll help you "hop along" from blog to blog where you'll find inspirational ideas for papercrafted creations from Mary Fish's Stampin' Pretty Pals!  Should you hop off course, simply click on any of the links in the PALS HOP LINE-UP below and you'll be back on track!

 

  

  

In honor of the retiring colors, we're offering BLOG CANDY at each stop on the hop!  Visit each of the 17 Stampin' Pretty Pals and leave a comment to their specific posted question and you'll have a not one, but 17 chances to WIN some great Stampin' Up! goodies!

  

  

 

FOND FAREWELL HOP LINE-UP

1.     Liz Hughes     diypapercreations.typepad.com   

2.     Gina Shaw     www.cardsbyginashaw.com

3.     Barbara Furlong     www.theloveofstamping.com

4.     Nina Dee     deesignsbyninadee.blogspot.com

5.     Debbie Pierce     www.stampinsunshine.com

6.     Ann Schach     www.stampinchic.com

7.     Melanie Collins     www.oopsadaisy.typepad.com

8.     Kim Lampone     www.kjskorner.blogspot.com

9.     Mike Funke     www.stampin-style.typepad.com

10.   Regina Mangum     www.thestampinbean.blogspot.com

11.   Linda Callahan     www.stampinseasons.blogspot.com

12.   Anne Eicher     creativecardsbyanne.blogspot.com

13.   Mary Fish     www.stampinpretty.com

14.   Carla Bazhenow     www.carlas-scraps.com

15.   Joanna Munster     www.inspiredbystampin.com

16.   Margaret Moody     www.margaretmoody.typepad.com 

17.   Martha Stewart     www.SeasonsOfStamping.com

 

 

  

 

 

I’ve chosen to give a final farewell to several Stampin’ Up! products.  They include:

  

· Stamp Set:  Welcome Home  (113433)

· Paper:  Close to Cocoa, Sage Shadow & Barely Banana

· Masterpiece Ribbon Originals (116230)

For your chance to win all of the goodies pictured on the right, please leave me a comment and answer the question below that is in red by 3:00 PM CST, Friday, June 11th, at which time I'll choose a random winner. Shipping to US addresses only, please.

  

  

Are your projects "Stampin' Up! Only" or do you use supplies from different brands?   I’m 99% Stampin’ Up! only, but on rare occasions I’ll find something that isn’t “SUO” that I just have to try!

  

  

 

 

·   Here's what the winner will receive:

  

 

Whimsical Words Sale-A-Bration clear mount stamp set, Ribbon Originals Jersey ribbon package  and two sets of brads – Chocolate Chip epoxy and Real Red epoxy

  

  

·  I'll announce the winner of my blog candy package here on my blog on Sunday, June 13th, 2010.  The winner will have 48 hours to contact me after their name is announced.

 

 

More inspiring ideas and another great blog candy package awaits you at Gina Shaw’s blog (www.cardsbyginashaw.com), stop number 2 on the "Fond Farewell" PALS HOP!  Hop over and see Gina Shaw’s wonderfully creative ideas!  Thanks for "hopping" by!

  

PPA45 – A Portion of Thyself

 Pals Paper Arts is carrying the relaxed feeling of this past three-day weekend over into this week’s challenge.  What does this photo inspire in you?  For me, the hammock with the pillows and the colors made me think of my gardens.  The Pals Paper Arts Design Team members use only Stampin’ Up! products for our weekly projects, but anyone can participate in our challenges using any brand of supplies.  Don’t be shy, get inspired and come play with the PPA!

 

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

 

• Have you checked out the Stampin’ Up! Last Chance Accessories list yet? The cute little buttons that I used on this card (Button Latte Designer Buttons, 114333) are 25% discounted! But, you better get them while you can because when they are sold out they will be gone forever.
• It doesn’t take a lot of “stuff” to make a card. I used paper, a stamp set, 1 ink pad, 1 punch, some thread, buttons and some adhesives to make my card. However, if you have a Stampin’ Up! wish list then June is the perfect month to sign up as a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator! For just $99 (plus sales tax) you can indulge your hobby or start your own business with the Mini Starter Kit. Interested? Please contact me for more details. Don’t wait, this offer ends June 30, 2010!

 

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Of the Earth (115336, Hostess Level 1)

Paper:  Old Olive, Kraft, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, Bashful Blue and Basic Gray card stock

Ink:  Basic Black Classic Ink

Gear:  Corner Rounder punch (109047), Stamp-a-ma-jig (101049)

Bling:  Linen Thread (104199) and Button Latte Designer Buttons (114333)

The PPA gets “sketchy” with challenge #44

I really enjoy doing the weekly PPA challenges because they often take me out of my comfort zone.  This week my fellow PPA Design Team member Margaret Moody has given us a wonderful sketch to play with.  Remember, you can use any brand of paper crafting supplies that you have on hand and it’s fun to Play with the PPA! 

  

 

Today I’m not going to have any DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!  Instead, I’d love to hear from my loyal readers their favorite way to organize and store their stampin’ supplies.  I love seeing and learning about how others organize their space.  My favorite is the spice racks that I use to organize and store my embellishments and embossing powders.  I’ve spent the past couple of days cleaning up my studio and making space for all the fun new items that will be coming in July.  Tomorrow I’m headed for Ikea to buy some towel racks.  After seeing firsthand how Mary Fish is using them to store her paper punches I’ve just been itching to create the same system.  Maybe while my room is organized I’ll take some photos and post them to my blog

  

 

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Pedaling Past (116972 wood mount and 120069 clear mount, Summer Mini catalog) and Sentimental Journey (118513 wood mount and 120075 clear mount, Summer Mini catalog)

Paper:  Kraft, Bashful Blue, Night of Navy, Pumpkin Pie and Very Vanilla card stock; Travel Journal Designer Series Paper (117156, Summer Mini catalog)

Ink:  Jet Black StazOn and Pumpkin Pie Classic Ink

Gear:  1” Circle Punch (109048, 1 1/4" Circle Punch (104403), Word Window Punch (105090), Modern Label Punch (116630), Spiral Punch (108341), Mat Pack (105826), Paper Piercing Tool (116631)

Bling:  Twill Tape (105245) and Silver Brads (104336)

 

In honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice

Formally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day to remember the U.S. men and women who died during military service.  Many Americans believe that Memorial Day is also a day to give thanks to all service members and their families for their many sacrifices.  Pals Paper Arts wants YOU as they honor our nation’s military this week.  I hope you join in on the fun and when your card is done please consider sending it to Operation Gratitude, a non-profit, volunteer organization that provides Americans a way to express their support and appreciation to active military service men and women. Operation Gratitude welcomes your hand made cards.  You can leave them blank inside so the airman, soldier, marine or sailor can write in their own message or you can provide an upbeat (and nonpolitical) sentiment.  Send cards to:

  

  

Operation Gratitude/California Army National Guard
17330 Victory Boulevard
Van Nuys, California 91406

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

· I love using my Stampin’ Around Wheels and making them multi-colored.  It’s easy to do using a blender pen to “erase” the color from any part of the wheel and then coloring that part with any color of Stampin’ Write marker.  It’s quicker to do then you think!

· The Stampin’ Around Wheel Guide takes away the worry of crooked or overlapping images and the inked or unlinked cartridges insure an evenly inked image everytime.

  

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  July Fourth ( 118523 wood mount and 120063 clear mount, Summer Mini catalog), So Many Stars Stampin’ Around Builder Wheel (118620, Summer Mini catalog) and Service & Sacrifice (115992)

Paper:  Whisper White, Real Red and Brilliant Blue

Ink:  Jet Black StazOn, Real Red and Brilliant Blue Classic Ink

Gear:  Large Star punch (110710), Star punch (109045), Scallop Edge punch (112091), Corner Rounder punch (109047), Stampin’ Around Wheel Guide (104834), Mat Pack (105826), Paper Piercing Tool (116631)

Bling:  Bold Brights Brads (106957) and 1/2” Real Red Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (110714)

PPA42 ~ Punched Posies

The colors for this week’s Pals Paper Arts challenge are gorgeous! Old Olive, Real Red and Tempting Turquoise work so well together. Do you Love to Play with the PPA? You can use any brand of paper crafting supplies to play and this week the PPA Design Team has added some yummy blog candy. The lucky winner will be randomly chosen from all who participate.

My trip to Tucson and visit with Mary was amazing! Mary was a wonderful host and it really was sweet of her to share her “pinch me” moment with the Pals. Those of us that were able to attend had a fantastic time getting to know each other and enjoying a weekend that was both relaxing and exciting. Shelli is so warm and genuine. Chatting with her was like chatting with an old friend and the time just flew by. I think I speak for all of us who were there – we didn’t want our time together to end. I’m really looking forward to going to convention in July and spending more time with Mary and the Stampin’ Pretty Pals!

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

 

·    Do you like the Rick Rack? It’s easy to make using the Stampin’ Up! Scallop Edge Punch. Start with a strip of paper any length that you need, but it needs to be at least 1” wide so you can effectively use the guides that are on the punch. Punch the border like you normally would, moving your paper through the punch until the length has a scallop border. Then, turn your card stock around so you can start punching the scallop border on the opposite edge. To get the Rick Rack look you’ll need to punch this border off center. Use the guides on the punch to help line up the paper.

 

·       I added some dimension to the 5-Petal flower by using one of the acrylic bubbles that are part of the Build-A-Brad set in the center of the flower.

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets: Punched Posies (118535 wood mount, 120030 clear mount Summer Mini catalog) Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive card stock Ink: Real Red, Tempting Turquoise and Old Olive Gear: Chat Room Rub-ons (117199), Extra Large Fancy Flower Punch (118073), Scallop Circle Punch (109043), 5-Petal Flower Punch (109041), 3/4” Circle Punch (107217), Scallop Edge Punch (112091), Mat Pack (105826), Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Big Shot with Standard Cutting Pads and Multipurpose Platform (113439), Stampin’ Up! Square Lattice Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (119976 Summer Mini catalog) Bling: Filigree Designer Brads (112577), Circle Ice Brads (109111), Build-A-Brad (109128), Playground Designer Buttons (116313), Real Red 1/2” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (110714) and White Thread (not Stampin’ Up!)

 

 

 

PPA41 ~ Inspiration & National Beverage Day

Pals Paper Arts has given us an Inspiration challenge this week.  What does this photo inspire in you creatively?

 

 

 

 

I decided to use the colors and the pitchers as my inspiration and I made a card celebrating National Beverage Day.  I’m kind of short on time today because I’m headed out to the airport and on my way to Tucson, Arizona!  I’m finally getting to meet my wonderful friend and mentor Mary Fish!  You’ll need to check back to get all of the details because something really exciting is happening on Saturday!!!

 

 

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

 

· When you need a card in a hurry you can’t go wrong using Stampin’ Up! paper punches. 

· The Stampin’ Up! Color Coach solves any questions concerning what colors go together.  I use mine all the time!  Look for the new Color Coach coming out in July…it’s really cool!

 

 

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Pun Fun

Paper:  Whisper White, So Saffron, Bordering Blue and Dusty Durango card stock

Ink:  Jet Black StazOn

Gear:  1 3/4" Circle Punch (112004), Word Window Punch (105090), Mat Pack (105826), Paper Piercing Tool (116631)

Bling:  Silver Brads (104336) and Elementary Ribbon Originals (116231)

PPA40 ~ Singin’ the Blues

 

The Pals Paper Arts challenge this week is to design a Monochromatic card using any shade of blue.  I’m very jazzed that Pacific Point is making a come back in July so for this challenge I rummaged through my stash of Stampin’ Up! goodies and found a couple of sheets of Pacific Point card stock and ink pad. 

  

 

 

 

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

  

 

·     Don’t have any Designer Series Paper in your favorite color?  Use background stamps and an ink pad to make your own!  It’s easier to ink up the background stamps if you lay the stamp down on a flat surface with the rubber side up and dab your open ink pad onto the rubber.  You can save yourself some supplies if you only ink up the part of the stamp that you are going to use. 

  

 

·     Rub-Ons are a nice alternative to using stamps and ink.  I’ve found that stapling the sheet of Rub-Ons and the backing together helps keep the Rub-Ons from sticking to each other and making a mess.  I store my Rub-Ons in a plastic shoe box size container with a lid.

 

 

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Pretty Petals (111008) and For All You Do (115360)

Paper:  Whisper White and Pacific Point card stock; Pacific Point Textured card stock

Ink:  Pacific Point

Gear:  Autumn Harvest Rub-Ons (115731), Empressor Stylus (100716)

Bling: Whisper White Taffeta Ribbon (109070)

PPA39 ~ A Tropical KISS

This week the Pals Paper Arts challenge is to keep it simple and what could be simpler then running a piece of the beautiful Island Oasis Designer Series Paper (Summer Mini catalog available May 1, 2010) through my Big Shot.  The result is a note card that makes me long for the tropics! 

  

 

 

 

DO IT YOURSELF TIPS!

 

·     I love the clear mount stamp sets!  With a wood mount set I would have used a Stamp-a-ma-jig to correctly place the sentiment, but with a clear mount set I can just “eyeball” it and it’s perfect!  A real time saver and a space saver too! 

·     The template in the Stampin’ Up! Mat Pack will help keep your paper piercings even and straight.

·     To create a matching envelope flap simply cut a piece of paper a little larger then the flap and use SNAIL to adhere it to the front of the flap.  Then, turn the flap over and trim the excess away.

 

 

 

Click here to order Stampin’ Up! product online 24/7!

Stamp sets:  Pedaling Past (116972 wood mount, 120069 clear mount Summer Mini catalog)

Paper:  So Saffron, Rose Red and Whisper White card stock; Island Oasis Designer Series Paper (117173 Summer Mini catalog)

Ink:  Tempting Turquoise

Gear:  Big Shot with standard cutting pads (113439), Stampin’ Up! Blossom Party die (115971), Paper Piercing Tool (116631), Mat Pack (105826)

Bling: Playground Designer Buttons (116313) and 5/8” Old Olive Satin Ribbon (117292 Occasions Mini catalog)